April 2014 – Dr. Walt Larimore

30Apr 2014 by Walt Larimore

Free medication samples influence physicians’ prescribing habits

General Health

The Los Angeles Times “Science Now” blog reports that according to a study published in JAMA Dermatology, “free samples of prescription drugs may seem like a great deal for patients.” However, even when physicians “think they’re doing patients a favor by handing out the freebies, the real beneficiaries are the drug manufacturers.” (more…)

30Apr 2014 by Walt Larimore

Study: Mammogram benefits overstated and harms downplayed

General Health

Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association on the potential risks and benefits of mammography is the latest of several studies suggesting that mammograms may not be as beneficial as previously believed. (more…)

29Apr 2014 by Walt Larimore

Healthy activities protect aging eyes

General Health

The New York Times “Well” blog reports that according to a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience, “physical activity” may be protective of aging eyes. (more…)

29Apr 2014 by Walt Larimore

Eating up to seven servings of produce daily prolongs life

General Health

CNN reports that according to a study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, “people who eat up to seven servings of fruit and vegetables a day can cut their risk of death by 42% – and that vegetables may be more important than fruit to your overall health.” (more…)

28Apr 2014 by Walt Larimore

Study: Casual marijuana use linked with brain abnormalities

General Health

Fox News reports that casual marijuana use may come with some not-so-casual side effects. For the first time, researchers have analyzed the relationship between casual use of marijuana and brain changes – and found that young adults who used cannabis just once or twice a week showed significant abnormalities in their brains. The study, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, reported effects similar to those of past research linking chronic, long-term marijuana use with mental illness and changes in brain development. (more…)

28Apr 2014 by Walt Larimore

Weight loss surgery may be better than medication alone for patients with type 2 diabetes

General Health

NBC Nightly News reported that “researchers have found that weight loss surgery for” patients with type 2 diabetes “can be more effective than taking medication in beating this disease.” (more…)

26Apr 2014 by Walt Larimore

Which fish oil supplement is the best?

General Health

In recent tests ConsumerLab.com identified many high-quality supplements, of which a few cost only pennies a day. Pitfalls exist, however: Four of the 30 supplements selected for review failed testing, including 2 for children. (more…)

25Apr 2014 by Walt Larimore

Anti-anxiety, sleeping meds tied to increased risk of death

General Health

The New York Times reports that a study published in the BMJ has tied “several common anti-anxiety drugs and sleeping pills to an increased risk of death.” (more…)

25Apr 2014 by Walt Larimore

NYTimes hosted a debate on state vaccine laws

General Health

The New York Times “Room for Debate” blog solicits the opinions of four experts to address whether vaccinations should be made mandatory for all children. (more…)

24Apr 2014 by Walt Larimore

Groups say warm water may relieve early labor pain, but water births have no proven benefit

General Health

The AP reports that “sitting in a tub of warm water can relieve a mom-to-be’s pain during the early stages of labor, but actually giving birth under water has no proven benefit and may be risky, say recommendations” from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics. (more…)

24Apr 2014 by Walt Larimore

Study suggests giving birth in hospitals safer than having baby at home

General Health

The New York Times reported that a new study of data “suggests that giving birth in a hospital is considerably safer than having a baby at home or in a birthing center.” (more…)

23Apr 2014 by Walt Larimore

Some OTC cold meds cause serious adverse effects

General Health

The New York Times reports that according to a correspondence published in the New England Journal of Medicine, “some widely used over-the-counter cold and flu medicines may be exposing patients to unexpectedly high amounts of one ingredient, revealing a lapse in regulations and perhaps raising safety concerns.” (more…)

23Apr 2014 by Walt Larimore

Switch to daylight saving time may be linked to increase in heart attacks

General Health

For those of you who dislike daylight saving time, here's another reason to add to your list. Reuters reports that research presented at the American College of Cardiology meeting suggests that the switch to daylight saving time may be linked to an increase in heart attacks. (more…)

22Apr 2014 by Walt Larimore

Study: Changing warm-up routine could cut risk of ACL injuries

General Health

The New York Times reported in its “Well” blog a new study suggests that altering the way sports teams warm up before practices and games could significantly cut the risk of injuries to anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL.” (more…)

22Apr 2014 by Walt Larimore

FDA panel backs DNA test for colon cancer

General Health

The AP reported that an FDA panel has voted to recommend an experimental “test that uses DNA to detect colon cancer and precancerous growths.” The article noted the panel voted 10-0 “that the benefits of Exact Sciences’ Cologuard test,” which analyzes stool specimens, “outweigh its risks.” (more…)

21Apr 2014 by Walt Larimore

Impact exercises the most effective way to strengthen bones

General Health

The New York Times reports in its “Well” blog on exercises that are helpful to reduce osteoporosis. The post says that “activities that involve impacts with the earth, such as running and jumping, are the most effective way to improve bone health,” specifically “sprinting and hopping.” (more…)

21Apr 2014 by Walt Larimore

Exercise reduces a woman’s risk of breast cancer

General Health

The NPR “Shots” blog reports that research presented at the European Breast Cancer Conference suggests that “exercise reduces women’s risk of breast cancer,” regardless of “what kind of exercise they do, how old they are, how much they weigh, or when they get started.” (more…)

20Apr 2014 by Walt Larimore

Larimore Bi-Monthly Prayer Letter (April 15 – June 14, 2014)

Family Newsletter

In this prayer letter: PRAYER REQUEST: (1) Walk for Life; and (2) Possible Writing Project EVENTS OF THE LAST TWO MONTHS and EVENTS OF THE NEXT TWO MONTHS PRAISES AND ANSWERS TO PRAYERS: Morning Glory, Evening Grace Devotional PUBLICATIONS: (1) Health tips for international travel; (2) When Children Die Because They're Overweight; and (3) The abortifacient effect of the pill THE ULTIMATE GIRLS’ BODY BOOK: (1) Great reviews!; (2) Interviewed on “Chris Fabry Live”; (3) Interviewed on “Connecting Faith”; Featured on "iMOM": (5) Interviewed on “Legacy Out Loud.” PRAYER REQUEST 1) Walk for Life We absolutely LOVE the ministry of Life Network, a life affirming ministry in Colorado Springs. However, we've never been in town for their major fundraiser, their Walk for Life This year we're in town and walking and hope that you'll consider sponsoring our…

19Apr 2014 by Walt Larimore

Violent video games associated with aggressive thinking, behavior in kids

General Health

Reuters reports that according to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics, playing video games of a violent nature may be associated with violent thoughts and even hostile behavior in youngsters. (more…)

19Apr 2014 by Walt Larimore

Study supports guidelines that recommend strict limits on children’s media use

General Health

The Washington Post reports that last autumn, “the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released updated guidelines for children and adolescents using media, recommending no more than two hours per day of any type of entertainment screen time for kids ages three to 18 and none for children two or younger.” Covered in the guidelines are “Internet and texting, as well as TV, movies and video games.” (more…)

18Apr 2014 by Walt Larimore

Diet drinks linked to heart risks in older women

General Health

Research presented at the American College of Cardiology meeting suggests that diet drinks may increase heart risks in older women. (more…)

18Apr 2014 by Walt Larimore

Women do not recognize major warning signs of stroke

General Health

The Huffington Post reports that research presented at an American Heart Association scientific sessions meeting and published online in Stroke suggests that “many women would not be able to identify the signs of a stroke.” (more…)

17Apr 2014 by Walt Larimore

Study: Autism likely begins during pregnancy

General Health

The AP reports that a small postmortem study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that autism begins in the latter part of pregnancy. The study “examined brains from children who died found abnormal patterns of cell growth in” children with autism. (more…)

17Apr 2014 by Walt Larimore

CDC: US Autism rates increasing

General Health

A report issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that one in 68 US children has received a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder. The figures represent a 29 percent increase from two years ago. The increase likely means that more cases are being discovered due to heightened awareness. (more…)

16Apr 2014 by Walt Larimore

Hug more, scold less: Strict parenting linked to child obesity

General Health

Time reports that according to research presented at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology & Prevention/Nutrition, Physical Activity & Metabolism meeting, “an authoritarian parenting style is worse for ... children’s weight than an authoritative one.” (more…)

16Apr 2014 by Walt Larimore

Study: Activity level of young children may be directly linked to that of their mothers

General Health

The NPR “Shots” blog reports that research published in Pediatrics suggests that “the activity level of young children is directly linked to that of their mothers.” (more…)

15Apr 2014 by Walt Larimore

When Children Die Because They’re Overweight

General Health

I have an article in the January issue of Charisma Magazine entitled, "When Children Die Because They're Overweight." You can read the article here. The abstract to the article says, "To develop good health and nutrition practices, children and young people need responsible adult examples." I hope the article will be helpful to you and your family. (more…)

15Apr 2014 by Walt Larimore

Easing “the graduation to glory”

General Health

It’s a moment most of us dread—a solemn-faced doctor enters a room, looks you in the eyes, and says you only have a few months to live. As a doctor, I’ve had to deliver that news, and it’s never easy. Yet, there’s something that can make a difference for most terminal patients. (more…)

14Apr 2014 by Walt Larimore

Health tips for international travel

General Health

Long-time readers know that I have a bi-monthly column in the Significant Living Magazine. My article for the April-May issue is on "Health Tips for International Travel." The article also has a side bar on "Preventing Travelers Diarrhea." You can read the article here. If you like the digital version, let me encourage you to sign up for a subscription.

14Apr 2014 by Walt Larimore

Kids and shopping cart injuries

General Health

A shopping trip with young kids can be quite a juggling act—and as it turns out, a potentially dangerous one. There’s more than falling prices going on. (more…)